2015: Gowon, Danjuma, others Prefer Northern Christian Candidate

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Created on Friday, 09 August 2013 16:00

Last Updated on Tuesday, 20 May 2014 00:10

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Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon

Group wants parties to zone slot to Middle Belt Ahead of the 2015 elections, their are indications that northern leaders of the Christian faith have expressed their preference for the emergence of a presidential candidate from the geopolitical zone who is of their religious belief. Among those contemplating fielding a northern Christian presidential candidate, THISDAY learnt Thursday, are former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, and former Minister of Defence, Lt-Gen. Theophilus Danjuma.

It was gathered that the group would prefer a Christian as a presidential candidate as part of the larger agenda of the north to ensure that the presidency returns to the zone in 2015. As such, they are considering establishing a working relationship with any of the major political parties that will zone its presidential slot to the Middle Belt, which comprises states in the North-central and a part of the North-east.

The north has been agitating for the return of power to the zone on the basis that President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who took over from former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2007, did not complete the constitutionally sanctioned two-term tenure as he died in office midway into his first term in the saddle.

Why Jonathan must serve another four years - Abba Gana

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Created on Friday, 09 August 2013 14:29

Last Updated on Tuesday, 20 May 2014 00:10

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*Says Ango Abdullahi does not speak for all northerners ALHAJI Mohammed Abba Gana, former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, former special adviser to the president and presently, member of the Board of Trustees, BoT of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in this interview with newsmen gives his views on recent political developments in the country and his reasons why President Goodluck Jonathan should serve another four years in office.

Why do you think there is tension in the land? All this tension, anger, bitterness, hatred and acrimony throughout the country are caused by the inordinate ambition of just a few individuals, who want to replace Jonathan in 2015. They forget that we have had great leaders who deserve to rule this country by any standard but could not make it inspite of all their efforts.

Enugu International Airport: Senator Ike Ekweremadu commends the President

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Created on Tuesday, 06 August 2013 19:22

Last Updated on Monday, 19 May 2014 23:13

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As the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu gears up to commence international flight operations, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has commended the President Goodluck Jonathan Administration for making it possible. He gave the commendation while reacting to the planned maiden international flight operations from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport by Ethiopian Airlines on August 24 this year.

Senator Ekweremadu who described the development as a “major milestone in the infrastructural renewal of the South East and a monumental boost for both trade and Direct Foreign Investment for the entire country”, said it would alleviate the challenges faced by business persons travelling to the South East, “For many decades, the people of the South East, the local and international business community have waited seemingly endlessly for the commencement of international flight operations at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, and the people South East will remain ever grateful to President Jonathan for the breakthrough”, he enthused.

Ray Nnaji, a lawyer, was a key member of the Ebeano political family and a commissioner in the administration of Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani as governor of Enugu State. A former national auditor of the PDP, Nnaji in this interview with PETRUS OBI, throws his weight behind Chime's decision to zone the governorship slot to Nsukka Zone.

He is reacting to an earlier interview Sir Sam Ejiofor granted this newspaper, saying that zoning does not exist in Enugu State. Nnaji also criticised the deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, for joining issues with the governor, insisting that he must be meant to see the governor as the leader of the PDP in Enugu State.